Friday, December 26, 2008

Polychain Drive Belt

The latest modification to the AMPhibian: Gates polychain drive belt and sprockets.

I'm not sure if the sound in the video really shows the difference but now the motor brush noise is the dominant sound as opposed to the rattling of the chain and sprockets. The roller chain was already showing some stretch and it's been suggested that #50 chain under changing torque loads and speeds up to 6000 RPM is way beyond it's long term capacity so this should be a worthwhile modification even beyond the noise factor. Also I no longer have chain lube being sprayed around my motor and batteries.Another possible benefit is I can get two more hubs for the taperlock sprockets which would allow me to swap them fairly easily and double my top speed to almost 40. I don't know if I'll bother since I have no need for that but it might be fun to try and the hubs are fairly cheap.

No gauges yet, I never take it close to 80% so I just keep an eye on run time and check the pack with a voltmeter after each use. You are correct though, I do want to keep a closer eye on the pack when cutting. I'll wire something up to monitor it.

Thanks Jeff.My final costs ended up being pretty close to estimates. Subtract the $1100 for the donor vehicle, (which probably could be had for less), and replace the cost of the chain and sprockets, ($70), with the Polychain setup, ($160), and conversion cost was $2180. I was able to sell the motor for $150 so actual out of pocket was $2030. It could be done for less using less expensive batteries and finding a used forklift motor.

First off I want to say that Im really upset that this blog was posted on my birthday and I didnt get to see it on my birthday! :)I most definitely agree with a lot of people in here, I just wanna add that my ATV now has close to 305cc and is tearing up the mountain! THIS IS WHAT I LIVE FOR!:o)

John, this is the type of unique conversion that makes an outstanding demonstration of the versatility of EV Drive. It is something that should allow saving the "Uniqueness" of ATVs, and perhaps Amfibicars and other "Unusual" or "One-of-a-Kinds" to be saved and enjoyed in use instead of being relagated into a Museum because they were ICE powered and the engines were "Un-Repairable."

Thanks Dennis. The conversion created a much more useful vehicle for my needs. The old 2 stroke it came with simply did not have the low end torque I required, and the low speed maneuvering I often do left me sitting in a noxious cloud of smoke. I simply could not use a gas version the way I use this EV.

Yes they do. I've had it deep enough where it was barely touching the bottom, sort of bouncing off it, and it moved quite well. Still have some leaks to fix so have never had it fully floating. Someday I'll get around to it but it's not a priority.

In theory it should just float, with no water getting near the motor or battery, the same way a boat motor doesn't usually get wet. Unfortunately the body now has even more cracks and is therefore further away from floating. Still works well on land though.

Thanks for your ideas. You can also find the details on Drive Parts Direct, at the Metal Parts Taper lock Sprockets. Drive Parts Direct aims to provide you with a convenient “one stop shop” for all your Power Transmission component requirements.